TECH TIPS

Tech Tips

What in the Cloud?

"To the cloud!" exclaims an actor in Microsoft's Windows 7 cloud services commercial. Cloud storage has become a popular way of managing one's files when away from a home PC.

Cloud storage is described as a "model of data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools, while the physical storage spans multiple servers (and often locations), and is typically owned and managed by a hosting company."

In other terms, cloud storage allows us to keep files we want accessible, so long as we have access to the internet. We utilize third-parties to store this data for us, ensuring its accessibility. However, with this convenience comes some risk.

Because cloud services are utilized by individuals, companies and, in some cases, government entities, they are seen as a high value target for hackers. From a practical point of view, cloud storage should be for files that are not private by nature, or contain sensitive information.

There exist still many benefits to cloud storage. For one, it is invisible. The files being stored take no space on your local devices or hard drives. In addition, cloud storage is convenient. Your files are accessible whenever you have access to the internet, including public Wi-Fi connections. Many cloud storage providers also offer syncing, which ensures your files are automatically updated across all devices that share a given file.

Another major benefit of cloud storage is cost - backing up data is often expensive; Cloud storage, however, is not. Cloud storage helps reduce both the cost and time needed in backing up data, and many sites offer large limits that most regular users wouldn't exceed.

You may already use cloud storage without realizing it. Have you ever accessed your work files from home via the U: drive? Then you were using Sac State's SacFiles! SacFiles is an example of a cloud storage solution. Other popular cloud storage solutions include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft Cloud. Often, cloud services are free, or have an allotment of space available for free, with additional storage available for a small fee.

Consider whether cloud storage is service you need. Do you find yourself emailing yourself documents that you want accessable on a regular basis? Or would you like to take work with you while traveling? If so, cloud storage is an easy to use solution that addresses these needs.

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